I love the park. The hiking is fantastic. The paths are great. The views are spectacular. I give it a 4 because the zoo is not necessary, and it’s a bit dated. I’d like to see a nice country store there with food and beverage options. The current concessions are a bit dated and unsatisfactory. I recommend bringing your own food and beverages.

Parking Fee: $10.00
Well maintained trails, okay for active/well-trained dogs, and good for outdoor picnics/bbq/hot pot.
We used the AllTrails app to track our progress and it took about 3.5 hours to complete the hike.
The views from the highest points were beautiful. Visiting during fall has its perks as the weather is cool, the autumn foliage is in full swing, and there aren’t as many insects to watch for.

*** Please beware of ticks! There were three that latched onto the corgi.

My trip to Bear Mountain was a refreshing escape into nature. The park offers the perfect mix of outdoor activities, scenic views, and peaceful spots to just relax. The trails are well-marked and range from easy walks along the river to more challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic views at the summit.
The highlight for me was the overlook from Perkins Memorial Tower—you can see the Hudson River winding through the valley, and on a clear day, even catch a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline in the distance. It’s breathtaking.
The park also has a lovely lake where you can rent boats, a small zoo featuring local wildlife, and plenty of picnic areas that make it family-friendly. In the fall, the foliage is stunning, and in the winter, there’s even an ice-skating rink.
Parking can get crowded on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early. Also, be sure to bring water and snacks if you plan on hiking the longer trails.
Overall, Bear Mountain is a great spot for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking for a quick getaway from city life. I’d definitely recommend it for a day trip or even a weekend outing.

Bear Mountain State Park is such a beautiful place to visit. The views are stunning, especially from the top, and the trails are well kept with options for both easy walks and more challenging hikes. It’s very peaceful and a great spot to relax, take photos, or have a picnic.

There’s plenty of space for families, and the scenery by the lake makes it extra special. A perfect getaway from the city!

Bear Mountain State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York State. It's an easy hour's drive up from Harlem. There are multiple trails and a carousel. Also there is an ice skating rink and pool that are open seasonally. But really, you go up there for the scenery. There is a public restroom in the inn/visitors center as well as a gift shop. Keep this in mind when hiking around--there are few restrooms elsewhere.